Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Dental Care And The Potential Dangers of Cheap Teeth Whitening

Does your smile make you cringe? Do you look at celebrity photos and dream about a dazzling white smile?

If so, you’re not alone. The teeth whitening industry is worth an incredible $11 billion per year in the US, and that trend is spilling over into the UK.

90% of British women say they want a whiter smile, which explains the 25% increase in teeth whitening services during 2015-2016.

While many visit their dentist for treatment, others try cheap teeth whitening treatments at home.

Are these treatments safe? Do they even work? Read on to learn more about the risks of cheap teeth whitening treatments.

Popular Teeth Whitening Options

There are several healthy foods you can eat that naturally whiten your teeth. But most people want fast, noticeable results.

Here’s a list of popular cheap teeth whitening treatments people try at home.

Over-the-Counter UV Kits

One of the newest trends in DIY teeth whitening is an over-the-counter UV kit. The idea is that the light acts as a catalyst to break down the peroxide and speed up the whitening process.

In reality, though, the same UV light that causes sunburns and skin cancer can also damage your gum, eyes, and lips. Other users have reported stomach problems, oral infections, gum shrinkage, and nerve damage.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal teeth whitening is popular and is available for everything from ice cream flavours to carbonated beverages.

Because charcoal absorbs toxins from the colon, some claim that it also pulls impurities from the teeth. Even if this is true, the long-term effects of activated charcoal are still unknown.

Whitening Pens

Those who want to lighten individual teeth may try a paint-on whitening pen. Because of the low amount of hydrogen peroxide, it’s doubtful whether the user will see any noticeable results.

More important, though, whitening pens can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda (also called baking soda) is a natural teeth whitener. For this reason, many kinds of toothpaste contain it.

Others try to make their own toothpaste at home using bicarbonate of soda. While this may whiten teeth, over time the abrasive nature will wear down the enamel. This leaves your teeth prone to sensitivity and cavities.

Oil Pulling

Another common trend, especially in the celebrity world, is oil pulling. This involves swishing coconut or a similar oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out.

The idea is that the oil will pull impurities from your mouth and whiten your smile. Whether this is true or not, it’s not a substitute for regular cleanings from your dentist.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Under this category fall high-end teeth-whitening strips, in-office tooth bleaching procedures such as laser teeth whitening and the like.

Dangers of Cheap Teeth Whitening

Now that we’ve discussed cheap tooth whitening trends, let’s look at some potential dangers.

Enamel Erosion

The most common substances for cheap teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate. Both of these are highly abrasive to your enamel.

What happens when your enamel erodes? For starters, your teeth are more vulnerable to yellowing and thinning. Over time, this will make any whitening efforts even more difficult.

Another sign of enamel erosion is pain. If your teeth feel sensitive when you eat something cold, your enamel is already weakened.

Gum Damage

Enamel isn’t the only part of your mouth that suffers from cheap whitening techniques. Your gums are equally vulnerable to damage.

Any injury to your gums increases the risk for oral infection. This can lead to severe consequences for your teeth and your overall health. These infections also increase the risk for gum disease or heart disease.

Common signs of gum damage include redness, inflammation, and bleeding. If you notice any of these, be sure to see your dentist right away.

Accidental Swallowing

As serious as enamel erosion and gum damage are, there’s another risk that’s even more dangerous.

Every year, many people rush to the hospital because they accidentally swallow hydrogen peroxide. Why? They were trying to whiten their teeth the cheap way.

Ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause severe burns to your throat and digestive tract. In some cases, it could even be fatal. We all want whiter teeth, but is it worth risking your life?

Teeth Sensitivity

Any product that contains bicarbonate of soda or hydrogen peroxide can make your teeth sensitive. This is true even of approved over-the-counter products.

Using these substances in a homemade concoction significantly increases the chance of damage. Over time, your enamel and teeth may become so worn that you’re in constant pain.

While this isn’t necessarily dangerous, it’s an annoyance you want to avoid.

Uneven Colour

Applied incorrectly, over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can leave uneven results. If you’re using a DIY mixture, you’re even less likely to see even whitening.

The result? Your teeth will be only half-bleached and will look worse than they did before. Not only that, but your teeth will show dark spots that occur from consuming teeth-staining foods.

Darker Teeth

When you’re trying to whiten your teeth, the last thing you think about is the possibility of them getting darker. Unfortunately, that’s a real risk with some cheap teeth whitening products.

How could this happen? Both bicarbonate of soda and hydrogen peroxide damage the enamel. This makes your teeth retain and show stains more than they normally would.

This means that every time you ingest teeth-staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, wine, etc.), your teeth will become darker instead of whiter. Over the years, your teeth may end up many shades darker than they were before you tried to whiten them.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many risks to consider with cheap teeth whitening kit. You only get one set of teeth, so why take unnecessary chances with them?

Fortunately, there are other ways to whiten your teeth that are both safe and affordable.

Crest White Strips are the UK’s #1 tooth whitening strips, and they’re available online. Best of all, these products are safe to use and will yield better results than the DIY methods listed above.

We invite you to browse our selection of whitening products and find the one that’s best for you.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe – Additional Thoughts, Questions and Answers

How does a dentist whiten teeth?

There are a few different ways that dentists can whiten teeth of their patients. One of the popular teeth whitening options is to use a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth in the form of a tray. This tray fits over the teeth and is left in place for a certain amount of time each day. The bleaching agent works to break down the staining on the teeth and make them lighter in colour.

Another popular method of whitening teeth is through the use of lasers. A laser is used to target the staining on the teeth and break it down. This method is usually less invasive than tray bleaching and can be done in a single visit to the dentist’s office – he is the dental professional.

However, not all dentists offer laser whitening. If you are interested in this method, be sure to ask your dentist if they offer it.

Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to lighten teeth by several shades. However, it is not without risk. Some people experience tooth sensitivity after whitening their teeth. This typically resolves within a few days after stopping the whitening treatment. In very rare cases, people have reported damage to their teeth following safe teeth whitening. If you experience any pain or sensitivity after teeth whitening, be sure to contact your dentist for more information.

What is the safest way to whiten teeth?

There are many safe and effective ways to whiten teeth. Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips or gels, are a popular and affordable option. However, these products can be harsh on teeth and may not be effective for everyone. If you are looking for a more gentle and effective whitening treatment, your dentist may offer in-office whitening.

Why you shouldn’t get your teeth whitened?

Teeth whitening is a popular and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, there are some risks associated with tooth whitening, whether with professional treatments or at-home treatments. Teeth may become sensitive or damaged if you incorrectly use an over-the-counter or homemade whitening treatment. In-office whitening treatments are more expensive, but they may also more gentle and effective. If you are considering teeth whitening, it is important to talk to your dentist about the risks and benefits to find the best treatment for you.

There are a few reasons why you might not want to get your teeth whitened. First, teeth whitening is not permanent. You will likely need to repeat the treatment every few months to maintain your new smile. Second, teeth whitening can be expensive. In-office treatments can cost hundreds of dollars, and over-the-counter treatments can be costly as well. Teeth whitening strips are a cost effective alternative. Finally, teeth whitening can cause teeth sensitivity or damage if it is not used correctly. It is important to talk to your dentist before starting teeth whitening products to make sure it is right for you. Read our additional discussion here: https://eurowhite.co.uk/are-crest-whitening-strips-safe/

Is tooth whitening at dentist safe?

There are various whitening treatments, both in-office (professional) and at-home treatments. And in all cases, there are safe and effective ways of utilising them to achieve the required whitening. However, there are certain risks associated with teeth whitening treatment, be it treatments at the dentist’s office or using whitening strips, gels or trays.

Is LED teeth whitening safe?

LED teeth whitening is a relatively new tooth whitening technology that uses light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, to activate the bleaching agents. The light emitted by the LEDs helps to speed up the bleaching process and makes the treatment more comfortable for the patient. Generally speaking, LED teeth whitening is considered safe and effective. However, there is some risk of tooth and gum sensitivity associated with any teeth whitening treatment.

If you are considering undergoing LED teeth whitening, it is important to consult with your dentist to determine if the treatment is right for you. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on the best way to care for your teeth after the treatment to minimise any sensitivity.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening safety is an important consideration. The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. This typically goes away within a few days after stopping treatment. Other rare side effects include gum irritation, burning sensation in the mouth, and in very rare cases, damage to teeth. If you experience any pain or sensitivity after teeth whitening, be sure to contact your dentist for more information.

Can yellow teeth become white?

Yes, yellow teeth can become white with teeth whitening. The treatment is effective at removing surface stains and making teeth several shades lighter. However, it will not be able to remove all types of discoloration, such as those caused by tooth decay, aging, or smoking. This information is important to understand before moving forward with a treatment option.

Can teeth whitening cause nerve damage?

Teeth whitening does not cause any nerve damage. In rare cases, there may be a burning sensation or gum irritation after the treatment. If you experience any pain or sensitivity after teeth whitening, be sure to contact your dentist.

How do celebrities get their teeth so white?

Celebrities use a variety of methods to get their teeth looking white and bright. Many of them use professional teeth whitening treatments such as in-office teeth whitening and professional-level teeth whitening strips, while others may just take good care of their teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

Is UV light teeth whitening safe?

The UV light is used to help the bleaching gel penetrate deep into the teeth to break up stains. UV light teeth whitening is safe when used as directed by a dentist or dental professional.

Can teeth whitening cause teeth to chip?

Teeth whitening does not cause teeth to chip. However, if you have sensitive teeth, whitening may cause some discomfort. If you experience any discomfort, stop using the whitening product and consult your dentist for more information.

Can whitening your teeth damage your gums?

Whitening your teeth will not damage your gums if you use a whitening product that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). However, over-whitening can cause gum irritation. If you experience gum irritation, stop using the whitening product and consult your dentist.

How long will my teeth hurt after whitening?

You should expect some tooth sensitivity and discomfort after whitening your teeth. The level of discomfort will vary depending on the product you use and how light your teeth are to start with. The sensitivity and discomfort should go away within a few days of stopping the whitening treatment. If the sensitivity and discomfort lasts longer than a week, consult your dentist.

Do Crest White Strips damage enamel?

Crest Whitestrips products are safe for your teeth and will not damage your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is damaged when the hard, outer layer of your tooth is worn away. Whitestrips will not wear away your tooth enamel. The enamel can be worn off by abrasive toothpastes, acids in food and drinks (fruit juices, sports drinks, and sodas), teeth grinding (bruxism) and ageing.

If you are concerned about the health of your teeth or gums, consult your dentist.

Does your enamel grow back?

The enamel of the teeth does not grow back. If the enamel is damaged, whitening will not repair it. Consult your dentist if you believe you have damaged your enamel. Options to repair damaged enamel include, but are not limited to, bonding and veneers (not dentures).

Can you whiten teeth without damaging enamel?

There are a number of ways to whiten teeth without damaging the enamel. One way is to use a whitening mouthwash or toothpaste that is specifically designed for people with sensitive teeth. Another way is to use a whitening kit that comes with a lower percentage of peroxide. Finally, you can try using whitening strips. All of these methods will help to brighten your teeth without damaging the enamel.

Can teeth whitening burn your lip?

Teeth whitening methods that use peroxide can sometimes cause a burning sensation on the lips. This is because the peroxide can interact with the chemicals in the lip balm or Chapstick that you may be using. To avoid this, make sure to remove all traces of lip balm or Chapstick before starting with teeth whitening products.

How do you protect your gums when whitening your teeth?

When using Crest whitening strips, for example, your gums are protected because the strips are designed to fit tightly against your teeth. This ensures that the whitening gel is kept away from your gums.

What does losing enamel look like?

If you lose enamel, your teeth will start to look yellow and opaque. Enamel is essential for protecting your teeth against cavities, so losing it can lead to a lot of dental problems.

Can enamel be repaired?

Unfortunately, once you lose enamel, it is gone for good. However, you can help to prevent further damage by practising good oral hygiene and avoiding foods and drinks that are acidic or abrasive.

How can I rebuild my enamel naturally?

There are a few things you can do to help rebuild your enamel naturally. Avoiding acidic and abrasive foods and drinks is a good start. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or taking supplements that contain calcium and phosphorus.

Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and it’s what gives them their hard, white appearance. Enamel is also responsible for protecting your teeth from decay and damage. Unfortunately, enamel can be damaged or lost, which can lead to a number of dental problems.